DEVELOPMENT, PHYSICOCHEMICAL STANDARDIZATION, AND COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL DIGESTIVE CHURNA

The increasing global use of Ayurvedic and herbal drugs is attributed to their therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse effects when compared to conventional medicines. However, concerns regarding adulteration and lack of standardization pose challenges to their effectiveness. This study aims to formulate and evaluate the standardization parameters of an Ayurvedic formulation Polyherbal Digestive Churna through comprehensive analysis based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Polyherbal Digestive Churnas are commonly used in Ayurveda for treating various digestive disorders, including Adhmana, Sula, Gulma, and Agnimandya. The present paper reports the preparation and standardization of a polyherbal digestive churna which contain Mentha piperita L. (Peppermint leaves), Anethum graveolens (Dill fruits), Kaempferia galanga (Aromatic Ginger rhizomes), Cyperus rotundus (Java Grass rhizomes) and Palm candy. The preparation was carried out following the Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia to ensure optimal particle distribution and formulation consistency. A series of physicochemical, biological, and analytical tests were conducted, including flow properties, Carr’s Index, Hausner’s Ratio, angle of repose, moisture content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble extractives, alcohol-soluble extractives, pH of water extract, fluorescence analysis, and digestive properties such as antacid efficacy. Additionally, the shelf-life of the formulation was assessed. The results contribute to the development of standardization parameters for Polyherbal Digestive Churna, ensuring its quality, purity, safety, and efficacy. The Formulated Churna meets the official pharmacopoeial limits (e.g., Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India or USP herbal monographs).